It’s been a while since I outlined my rough travel plans for 2018, back in December. And some of those plans have actually changed quite a lot. So I thought I would do a lil update on my confirmed travel plans over the next few months.
Especially seeing as I’ve been a bit low on adventures lately. I mean I started the year with Copenhagen for my 30th and a weekend in Rome but then it was a whirlwind of bottomless brunches in London and family events for a couple of months. And what do you know, it’s April already.
(I’ve just re-read that and lol that I think two holidays before March is “low on adventures”. I have a problem.)
So here are the travel plans I have locked down for the next few months of 2018.
Upcoming Travel Plans
Back To Liguria, Italy
I had like 3 different Italy trips I wanted to do this year but with my limited annual leave it’s likely I won’t get to do all of them in 2018. But, I have got one booked for this month. And it’s a pretty different vibe for me because I’m going back to somewhere I’ve already been, the Italian Riviera in Liguria.
It’s not normally something I do, preferring to explore new territories. But actually I just feel like I need a break, y’know? And the only thing that will stop me over-doing it? Go to somewhere I’ve already blogged about.
So I’m going to be staying in Levanto again and visiting Cinque Terre on the regs. But I also want to see nearby Portofino on this trip. So okay, there will be SOME newness… Yes, I definitely have a problem.
Oxford Exploring
I have a fun day in Oxford planned with my fave travel guide brand Marco Polo this month too!
I haven’t been to Oxford since I was looking at universities and even then I pretty much just went to the hall they filmed some of Harry Potter in and that was it. So I’m really excited to explore this pretty city some more.
A Train Journey To Edinburgh
Can you believe I’ve never been to Edinburgh? People tell me all the time that it’s a damn travesty that I am yet to visit this A+ city, so I made it my mission to get there this year.
In May I’m going to be getting Virgin trains up to Edinburgh from Milton Keynes so I’ll get to see some of the scenery en route. And then I’ll be staying at the fab ibis Styles hotel in the city. I loved my ibis Styles stay in Manchester last year so I’m really excited to stay here.
I also want to hike to Arthur’s seat, see the castle and go to some cool pubs. If you have any tips for Edinburgh, holla at yo’ girl.
A GOT Tour Of Northern Ireland
OHMYGODIMSOEXCITED. I’m a hardcore fan of Game Of Thrones (I mean, who isn’t?), and I’d actually been thinking of booking a trip to Northern Ireland to see some of the places it was filmed. I really enjoyed some of the GOT spots I saw in Iceland and want to see more of Ireland so it seemed like a good fit. And what do you know, it’s happening.
Ellie recommended me for a press trip (she knows I’m a massive nerd) and now all of my Westeros dreams are coming true. And guys, I’m going to meet DIREWOLVES. #WinterIsComing
Sauna Life In Helsinki, Finland
I’m also SO excited to be visiting Helsinki in June. After visiting Copenhagen this year, I’m kind of obsessed with seeing more of Scandinavia. And Helsinki just looks uber cool. Like, they might not let me in.
I’m keen to visit some islands, have all the saunas (possibly even the one in Burger King…) and check out some of the Scandi chic bars and cafes on offer. I can’t bloody wait.
A Tallinn Fairytale, Estonia
A trip to Tallinn is actually part of the same adventure and I’ll be getting the 2 hour Tallink ferry from Helsinki to beautiful Estonia.
I’ll be based in Tallinn, checking out the pretty fairytale-esque Old Town and hopefully doing some vintage shopping (my sources tell me it’s good). But I also want to try and get out of the city and see what else Estonia has to offer.
Back To The Baltics in Riga, Latvia
Then from Tallinn I’m travelling overland to Riga, Latvia! On the way I’ll be checking out rural towns between the two cities and crossing the border by bus (I bloody love overland travel). Then in Riga I’m looking forward to gorgeous architecture and cheap beers!
So yes, that’s three cities in one trip. And I’m v excited for it. Which of these three are you most excited to hear about?!
Some More Fabulous 30th Celebrations
And of course it’s the #YearOf30ths for me and my pals so I have some more celebrations on the cards over the next few months.
We’re celebrating my pal Ricki’s 30th with a big night out in London in May. Then in June we have two big weekends away for my friends James and Sam. Sam’s 30th is in a big Airbnb in the British countryside and we’re going to have garden parties and BBQs if the weather holds out. James’ 30th is still TBC but it’s looking like it might be Devon. Which I am totally here for.
Yeah, I think you’ll agree, I’ve got a lot on my plate over the next few months!!
I’m starting to get to that point where I fear for my annual leave balance. But it’s all good stuff and I’m looking forward to a summer of adventures! Let’s just hope we get sunshine some time soon…
What do you think of my summer plans? Do you have any tips for the destinations I’m going to visit?
Let me know in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!
That James guy sounds nice..
Good one.